Andrea Byrd, senior financial assistant, fondly remembers starting her career 25 years ago at the University’s telecommunications department, today’s University of Miami Information Technology (UMIT). She credits her colleagues as the driving force behind her success and as pillars in her life outside of the office.
In a few words, what has kept you at the University all these years?
My amazing UMIT team—the “Power Rangers”—has had a great impact on my time at the U. We as “Power Rangers" truly do work together as a team. We each have different abilities or skill sets that we use to accomplish any task that is set before us. We also have a bond of friendship that goes beyond our work duties. We have an abundance of respect, love, and kindness for one another and when one is hurting, we all hurt. That's the “Power Rangers.”
What is your most memorable experience at the University?
My first day of work at the University, in the department that was formerly called telecommunications, I ended up getting lost in the courtyard right behind the Merrick Building.
What does being recognized for reaching this important milestone mean to you?
This time has allowed me to look back to one of the most difficult times in my personal life during my time as an employee with the University. My entire department displayed an abundance of love and compassion when my oldest sister passed away from cancer and when my late husband was in the hospital and needed a heart transplant. When he needed blood, they did not hesitate to come out and donate, they sent flowers, or offered words of comfort on his behalf. It’s a milestone that has taught me about growth, communication, compassion, and working together. I am forever grateful.
This year's Faculty and Staff Long Service Award Ceremony recognizes 278 faculty and staff who have reached a long service milestone of 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 years between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024. Show our long service honorees some appreciation by sending a heartfelt card through the Thank a 'Cane tool. View a full list of this year's honorees.
